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11"x17" 'Like Rats in a Trap' poster available for backers of $10 or more

Raglan sleeved 'Like Rats in a Trap' t-shirt available for backers of $30 or more

'Like Rats in a Trap' travel mug available for backers of $20 or more

CHARLOTTE DAILY OBSERVER – AUGUST 13, 1904

MEN DIED LIKE RATS IN TRAP

“All the facts attainable in the frightful catastrophe yesterday... at the Barringer mine were given out this afternoon… there was a waterspout… eight men… had been at work but a short time when the water rushed into the place at an estimated rate of 100,000,000 gallons in five minutes.”

BACKGROUND

In the moments before the tragic flood, miners trudged deep into the Earth, working to clean the mine before its reopening. The new owners believed that the Carolina Gold Rush, America’s very first gold rush, could be reignited once the mine was back in working order. However, the flood permanently shut down the Barringer Gold Mine and signaled the end of all gold mining operations in North Carolina. For those who did not survive the tragedy, these last moments of life not only provide a glimpse into the collapse of the Carolina Gold Rush but also the turbulent state of human affairs in the American south.

LOCATION

Unfortunately, after the flood the real Barringer Gold Mine fell into disrepair and is unable to be used for the production of this film. However, the Carolina Gold Rush created hundreds of local mines – several that still exist as historical sites. Shooting has already been scheduled and approved at one of these historic gold mines near the Charlotte area.

CAST & CREW

We’ve assembled an incredible cast and crew to collaborate on this film – many of whom work professionally in the commercial film and television industry here in Charlotte. Everyone working on this project believes this is an opportunity to create something extraordinary together. In a region not known for preserving its history, we are excited to tell a great story that also commemorates an important moment in the history of our local community.

BUDGET

This project is ambitious, yet we’ve managed to keep the budget very modest, largely due to the enormous generosity of our cast and crew who have offered reduced rates to work on this project. Costs include equipment rental, labor, materials, and a small marketing budget for the film once it’s complete.

DISTRIBUTION

All of our backers will be able to download the film once it’s available. The film will be available to everyone else on Vimeo-On-Demand to watch for $1. Our screenwriter and co-director, G.S. Koch, will also screen this film at museums, colleges and cultural centers and facilitate discussions on the topics that the film explores.

Risks and challenges

There are certain challenges and risks with every film, especially ones set in the past. The weather could not cooperate, technology can malfunction, sets and costumes can fall apart. However, the team working on this short film has experience in dealing with such challenges. The best way to avoid risks that could postpone the film's completion is with a good plan that is well communicated to the team.

For problems that can't be ironed out ahead of time, our production team has come up with contingencies for every aspect of their responsibilities. At the end of the day, when the camera is rolling, our team knows what the writer of 'Apocalypse Now,' John Milius, once said: "Pain is temporary, film is forever!"

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

Free download of the film, special thanks in the credits, ‘Like Rats in a Trap’ raglan sleeve shirt, ‘Like Rats in a Trap’ travel mug and four (4) reserved seats at a screening of the film in Charlotte

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Free download of the film, ‘Like Rats in a Trap’ raglan sleeve shirt, ‘Like Rats in a Trap’ travel mug, four (4) reserved seats to a screening of the film in Charlotte and a DVD of the film with behind the scenes footage